How Reggae Music Came Out of the Philippines

Reggae music has its origins in the Philippines, where it was first introduced by Filipino sailors who had been exposed to the music of Jamaica. The genre quickly caught on with the Filipino people and has since become an integral part of the country’s musical culture.

Origins of Reggae in the Philippines

Reggae is a music genre that originated in the late 1960s in Jamaica. The term “reggae” is derived from the word “rege-rege”, which is Jamaican Creole for “rags” or “ragged clothing”. Reggae was originally used to describe a particular style of Jamaican dancehall music. Over time, it came to be used as the name for the entire genre, which includes ska, rocksteady, dub, and dancehall.

The origins of reggae in the Philippines can be traced back to the early 1970s, when Filipino musicians began to experiment with the genre. One of the first Filipino reggae bands was Asin, who formed in 1971. Asin’s lineup included Cecil Kyle on lead vocals and guitar, Michael Odron on bass, Mat Pedero on drums, and Taj Mahal on saxophone. The band became popular for their covers of Bob Marley songs.

Other early Filipino reggae bands include Otso Ilogikos (later renamed UHAO), who formed in 1976; Hotdog’s The Mo’sions, who released their debut album in 1977; and Juan de la Cruz Band’s Reggae Fever, who released their album in 1978.

In the 1980s, reggae became more popular in the Philippines thanks to the rise of Filipino-American hip hop duo Salt-N-Pepa. Salt-N-Pepa’s 1987 track “Push It” samples Asin’s cover of Marley’s “Stir It Up”. This exposure helped introduce reggae to a new generation of Filipinos.

Today, there are many reggae bands in the Philippines, including Brownman Revival, Rootbound CRB, IriEchoRoots Ukulel Club, Rebelation Pilipinas Reggae Band, and General Luna. These bands play a mix of original material and covers of well-known reggae songs.

The Spread of Reggae in the Philippines

Reggae music came to the Philippines in the early 1970s, brought by Filipino sailors who had been exposed to the music while working on merchant ships in Kingston, Jamaica. These sailors would play reggae music on their cassette decks while docked in Philippine ports, and this is how many Filipinos first became exposed to the genre. The popularity of reggae music quickly spread throughout the Philippines, particularly in the city of Manila.

In the 1980s, a new generation of Filipino musicians began to experiment with reggae, fuse it with other genres such as ska and rocksteady, and create their own unique sound. This new style of Filipino reggae became known as Pinoy reggae. Some of the most popular Pinoy reggae bands of this era include Brownman Revival and Tropical Depression.

Today, Pinoy reggae is more popular than ever, with new bands and artists emerging all the time. The genre continues to evolve as it takes on new influences from other genres such as hip hop and R&B. Reggae music has truly become a part of Philippine culture, and it is loved by Filipinos all over the world.

The Influence of Reggae in the Philippines

Reggae has had a significant impact on the music of the Philippines, both in terms of style and substance. The most obvious influence of reggae can be seen in the popularity of Filipino ska and reggae bands, such as Brownman Revival and Reggae Mistress. These bands have helped to popularize reggae in the Philippines, and their music often contains elements of both ska and reggae.

However, the influence of reggae goes beyond just the music itself. The positive messages contained in many reggae songs have resonated with Filipino audiences, and the genre has become associated with social justice and political activism. For example, the song ” Bulag, Pipi at Bingi” by Filipino band Eraserheads is widely considered to be a protest against discrimination against people with disabilities.

Reggae has also had an impact on fashion in the Philippines, with many young people adopting the “rasta” style of dress. This includes wearing dreadlocks, colorful clothing, and-of course-the ever-present marijuana leaf motif.

all in all, it’s clear that reggae has had a significant impact on Philippine culture. The genre’s positive messages, unique style, and social relevance have all contributed to its popularity in the Philippines.